REVIEW / Outdated Skies (PC)

Time journey isn’t only a plot gadget in Outdated Skies by Wadjet Eye Video games, however reasonably, it’s the emotional glue that binds this journey collectively. The studio, lengthy recognized for its moody point-and-clicks, raises the bar right here with a sharper artwork course and stronger presentation, however with out shedding the style’s soul: character-driven storytelling and puzzles that reward thought over frustration.

Outdated Skies is a quiet powerhouse, a time-hopping journey that sneaks up on you emotionally. The narrative lingers on remorse, reminiscence, and second possibilities, wrapping intimate human moments inside a broader story of historical past’s fragile threads. It’s not flashy, but it surely’s the form of story that crops itself in your thoughts and retains unfolding after you’ve logged off.

On the coronary heart of the story is Fia Quinn, an agent for a corporation that gives supervised time journey for paying shoppers. Her job isn’t to rewrite historical past, however to escort these shoppers to totally different eras whereas conserving the timeline intact. In fact, folks being folks, not each shopper follows the foundations. Some need to change their destiny, undo errors, or chase what was misplaced, and that’s the place issues get sophisticated.

The fantastic thing about the narrative is the way it retains private stakes entrance and heart. As an alternative of grandiose world-ending crises, the strain comes from small however highly effective selections: a grieving mother or father who desires to save lots of a baby, an artist who desires a second likelihood at success, or a reckless thrill-seeker flirting with catastrophe. Every chapter explores how time journey tempts the center, and the story typically asks whether or not doing the “proper” factor strains up with doing the human factor.

Visually, Outdated Skies is a deal with. Every period feels distinct, whether or not it’s the smokey glow of a Prohibition speakeasy or the shine of Gilded Age streets. The artwork model blends crisp pixel work with smoother animations and a clear UI, making this one in every of studio’s best-looking releases. There’s a painterly vibe that makes wandering by way of every time interval a pleasure.

The audio pushes it even additional. The voice appearing feels pure, with actors who breathe life into each main and minor characters. Pair that with a moody, era-appropriate soundtrack and the entire expertise positive factors a cinematic edge. The soundscape by no means overpowers however as an alternative quietly underscores the emotional beats of the story.

The gameplay in Outdated Skies performs it good by specializing in readability and logic. The puzzles are considerate and truthful; there isn’t a pixel-hunting, no nonsense. They could not stump veterans for lengthy, however the satisfaction comes from piecing collectively the best info on the proper time. The time-rewind mechanics, specifically, add an intriguing twist with out overwhelming the circulate.

That mentioned, the pacing received’t be for everybody. Outdated Skies likes to take its time, letting moments breathe, which may really feel sluggish if you happen to’re craving fixed motion. A number of puzzle segments can lean into trial-and-error, particularly with mechanics that ask for repeated rewinds. When you’re not affected person, these moments might check your resolve.

Nonetheless, the sport’s emotional core greater than makes up for these lulls. The characters really feel actual, their struggles grounded, and the alternatives you witness go away an affect. It’s much less about saving the world and extra about understanding the lives touched by time journey. It’s a refreshing angle that makes the entire journey really feel intimate.

On the technical facet, the sport is usually easy, with crisp presentation and secure efficiency. But right here and there, animations or transitions can really feel a contact uneven, conserving it simply shy of whole polish. Nothing game-breaking, however sufficient to remind you that is an indie effort with finite assets.Outdated Skies doesn’t attempt to dazzle with spectacle; as an alternative, it builds a considerate, emotionally clever journey. When you love story-first video games, that is a straightforward advice. When you’re attempting to find mechanical fireworks or relentless issue, you would possibly come away underwhelmed. For me, although, the sluggish burn was price it.

This evaluation relies on a retail copy of the sport supplied by the writer.